Before you start work, there are many alterations and additions, that may or may not, require planning permission from the local authority. Use these basic pointers as a guide to the planning system. If planning is not required and your scheme falls under the following, then it is advised to apply for a Certificate of Lawful Development.

General

1. No more than 50% of the land around the ‘original’ house may be covered
2. Maximum eaves height of an extension within 2.0m of a boundary is 3.0m
3. Maximum eaves and ridge height of extension no higher than existing house
4. Materials to be of similar appearance to existing house
5. No verandas, balconies or raised platforms
6. Fence or wall max 1.0m to front or 2.0m elsewhere
7. Satellite dishes do not require planning
8. Most solar panels are considered permitted development
9. Insertion of roof windows do not require permission
10. Security or CCTV systems
11. Replacement or repair of windows and doors
12. Rainwater goods repair
13. Small house signs
14. To replace or maintain roof finish
15. Garage conversions are usually covered under PD
16. Side facing upper windows to be obscured glass and 1.70m above floor level
17. Roof pitch to match existing house
18. Two storey extensions no closer than 7.0m to rear boundary
19. Maximum depth of a single storey 3.0m for attached property, and 4.0m for detached
20. Maximum height of a single storey extension 4.0m (incl. roof)
21. Maximum depth of a two storey extension 3.0m

Two-Storey

1. Side facing upper windows to be obscured glass and 1.70m above floor level.
2. Roof pitch to match existing house.
3. Two storey extensions no closer than 7.0m to rear boundary.

Rear Extensions

1. Maximum depth of a single storey 3.0m for attached property, and 4.0m for detached. In addition, outside Article 1(5) designated land* and Sites of Special Scientific Interest the limit is increased to 6m if an attached house and 8m if a detached house until 30 May 2016. These increased limits (between 3m and 6m and between 4m and 8m respectively) are subject to the neighbour consultation scheme.
2. Maximum height of a single storey extension 4.0m (incl. roof).
3. Maximum depth of a two storey extension 3.0m.

Side Extension

Single storey only, maximum height 4.0m, and maximum width 50% of house.

Front Extension

Porch only – maximum 3.0 m2, maximum roof height of 3.0m and over 2.0m from a boundary with a highway.

Outbuildings and sheds

Max eaves height of 2.5m within 2.0m of boundary, max overall height of 4.0m. NOTE: IF THE DEVELOPMENT DOES NOT FALL INTO THE ABOVE CATAGORIES THEN PLANNING PERMISSION WILL BE REQUIRED. Including;-

General

Wind turbines.

Designated land (ie. Conservation Area), No permitted development of rear extensions over single storey. No exterior cladding No side extensions

Other

No extension forward of the front or side elevation fronting a highway

Paving to front gardens

Driveways / hard standing in excess of 5 m2 will require planning permission unless it uses a porous or permeable surface (ie shingle) or surface water is directed to a lawn or other border to drain naturally.

Trees

Trees may be protected by Tree Preservation Orders, so permission or advice should be gained from your local authority.

Building Regulations

Most new works need to comply with Building Regulations, which deal with construction standards, health and safety. There are two methods to achieve Building Regulation consent:

1. Conditional application to be achieved prior to construction works commencing, and subject to regular inspections, with works fully signed off on completion.
2. Under a Building Notice served by the contractor on commencement of works, and subject to regular inspections.